Management of Water Treatment Plant Residuals

Book excerpt: Potable water treatment processes produce safe drinking water and generate a wide variety of waste products known as residuals, including organic and inorganic compounds in liquid, solid, and gaseous forms. In the current regulatory climate, a complete management program for a water treatment facility should include the development of a plan to remove and dispose of these residuals in a manner that meets the crucial goals of cost effectiveness and regulatory compliance. This comprehensive water treatment residuals management plan should involve the: 1) Characterization of the form, quantity, and quality of the residuals; 2) determination of the appropriate regulatory requirements; 3) identification of feasible disposal options; 4) selection of appropriate residuals processing/treatment technologies; and development of a residuals management strategy that meets both the economic and noneconomic goals established for a water treatment facility. This manual provides general information and insight into each of these activities that a potable water treatment facility should perform in developing a residuals management plan.